Head Chef

Grounded in Scotland, Ready for the World Head Chef – Edinburgh Academy Junior School, 10 Arboretum Road, Edinburgh, EH3 5PL About Us: The Edinburgh Academy is a modern, vibrant, co-educational school for 2–18 year olds.Located on two historic sites in the heart of Scotland’s capital, we provide the very best in 21st-century education.Our ethos, size, and genuine individual care make us sector-leading in supporting the unique talents, needs, and ambitions of all. Hospitality with a Work-Life Balance At Sodexo and Edinburgh Academy, we believe you can have a rewarding career in hospitality without constant weekend shifts or late nights.Join a passionate team, deliver exceptional service, and still enjoy your evenings and weekends to recharge. The Role: We are seeking an experienced and motivated Head Chef to lead our catering operations at the Junior School.This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic leader with creativity, passion, and drive to deliver excellence in food and service. Key Details * Salary: £32,500 per annum * Hours: 40 hrs per week * Schedule: Monday–Friday, 7.00am–3.30pm (occasional weekend business as required) * Enhanced PVG checks required * Driving licence and own car essential What You’ll Do: As Head Chef, you’ll lead from the front, combining hands-on culinary expertise with strong leadership skills to inspire your team. You will: * Deliver high-quality catering and hospitality, always exceeding client expectations. * Lead menu planning, food production, and kitchen operations with creativity and precision. * Uphold the Fresh Food from Scratch philosophy across all services. * Maintain the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and compliance. * Manage budgets effectively and ensure cost-efficient operations. * Train, motivate, and support your team to achieve their best. * Champion allergen management and ensure accurate, up-to-date information is always available. * Organise and oversee special functions and hospitality events as required. About You: We’re looking for someone who combines culinary excellence with strong leadership skills. You will bring: * Professional catering experience ESSENTIAL, preferably in contract catering/large scale catering. * Experience leading a busy, client-facing kitchen brigade. * Strong budget management and computer literacy. * NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent chef qualifications. * Food Safety Level 2 or above. * A proven ability to perform under pressure with excellent time management. * A positive, enthusiastic, and self-motivated approach. * Flexibility, decisiveness, and the ability to inspire others. (Additional training such as RIPHH & IOSH Certificates is desirable—or a willingness to complete within 4 months.) What We Offer: At Sodexo, this is more than just a job—it’s a career where you’ll be valued, supported, and empowered. You can expect: *Competitive salary and excellent benefits. *Clear opportunities for growth and development. *A diverse, inclusive, and supportive workplace. *The chance to make a real impact in an environment that values sustainability and service excellence. Additional Perks: *Unlimited access to online mental health and wellbeing support. *Employee Assistance Programme (legal, financial, personal support). *24/7 access to a virtual GP service. *Sodexo Discounts Scheme for you, family, and friends. *Mercer Aspire Pension Plan. *Learning & development opportunities. *Bike to Work Scheme. Ready to Join Us? If you’re a passionate, experienced Head Chef who thrives on leadership, creativity, and delivering excellence, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and take the next step in your Sodexo journey. Please note: Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if a high volume of applications is received

Location: Edinburgh, Edinburgh, GB

Posted Date: 11/4/2025